I teach Structural Analysis I at the University of California, San Diego, as part of the undergraduate curriculum in the Structural Engineering Department. This is the first in a two-course sequence focused on the analysis of structures. The course emphasizes the calculation of deflections and the analysis of statically determinate and indeterminate structures. We begin by reviewing methods for analyzing determinate beams and frames, including constructing shear and moment diagrams and determining deflected shapes. Various approaches to computing displacements are covered, with a focus on virtual work. For indeterminate structures, the course emphasizes the force method (also known as the flexibility method) and introduces displacement-based methods such as moment distribution, laying the groundwork for matrix structural analysis (Finite Element Method Specialized for Beams, Frames, and Trusses). Topics also include the effects of loads, settlements, thermal changes, and prestress, as well as the construction of influence lines for statically determinate systems. Structures are modeled primarily as planar trusses, beams, and frames. I consider it a steppingstone course for structural engineers and have broken down the lectures into 21 manageable chapters to help students grasp the concepts more effectively.

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Please note that these lecture notes are a work in progress. You may (and likely will) encounter typos or minor (or major) errors. I do my best to update and correct them as I discover them—usually when I teach. I hope you find these notes useful.